Introducing...The Lab Detective
Kathleen Folbigg experienced unimaginable loss. All four of her infant children died suddenly, over a 10-year period. Their deaths were unexplained. Until a police detective turned up at her door, and arrested Kathleen on suspicion of murder.
She was labelled ‘Australia's worst female serial killer’, convicted, and was destined to spend most of the rest of her life in jail.
Until a different type of detective entered her life. A scientist working in a lab who uncovered the truth behind the deaths.
This is the story of a shocking miscarriage of justice, but as journalist Rachel Sylvester starts to investigate how this happened, she learns that Kathleen is not alone – other mothers have endured the same fate, and may also be in prison.
The Lab Detective is a story about the power of science, and the determination of those searching for the truth.
The full series is available to listen now.
Our thanks to The Francis Crick Institute for sharing recordings and insights.
You can watch a short documentary on the genomics team behind Kathleen Folbigg's case filmed at the Crick.
Reporters: Rachel Sylvester
Producer: Gary Marshall
Executive editor: Basia Cummings
Music supervisor: Karla Patella
Sound design: Rowan Bishop
Artwork: Lola Williams
Fact checking: Ada Barume and Madeline Parr
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Global investigations from the BBC. Uncovering stories around the world and telling them, episode by episode, with gripping storytelling. Delve into a World of Secrets.
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This is a What It Was Like Special
Produced by Superreal
Hosted by Julian Morgans
Find us on TikTok, and YouTube
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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Conversations with people who have lived through extreme events. Some stories are dark and twisted, others are light and funny. In all cases, we get an intimate portrait of 'what it was like' to be there.
Find us on TikTok: @whatitwaslikepodcast
Find us on Youtube: @whatitwaslikepodcast
Follow us on Instagram: whatitwaslikepodcast
Hosted by Julian Morgans
This is a Superreal production
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
